Soft Lemon Rolls with Glaze (Printable Version)
Soft fluffy rolls filled with sweet-tart lemon sugar and topped with tangy glaze.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, warm
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
→ Lemon Filling
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - Zest from 2 lemons
11 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
→ Lemon Glaze
12 - 1 cup powdered sugar
13 - 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
14 - Zest from 1 lemon
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Combine warm milk with yeast and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt to yeast mixture. Mix well to combine.
03 - Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
04 - Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until elastic and smooth, or use stand mixer with dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
05 - Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
06 - Mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.
07 - Roll risen dough on lightly floured surface into 16x12 inch rectangle.
08 - Spread lemon filling evenly over dough, leaving 1/2 inch border.
09 - Roll up tightly from longer side. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
10 - Arrange rolls in greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
11 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
12 - Bake 23–27 minutes until golden brown.
13 - Cool slightly. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice for glaze and drizzle over warm rolls. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- The fresh lemon zest makes these rolls taste like they came from a bakery
- They strike that perfect balance between sweet dessert and bright breakfast treat
02 -
- Warm milk should feel like bath temperature, not hot, or you will kill the yeast
- The dough is ready when it springs back when gently pressed with your finger
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly into the dough
- Microplane zesters give you the finest lemon zest without the bitter pith